Things To Do
in Tadmur

A staple made of bulgur and minced meat, often fried or baked; widely available in home-style eateries and ideal to try in local guesthouses.

Must-Try!

Simple desert-style roasted or grilled lamb skewers served with flatbread and salads; commonly found where barbecue is available.

An assortment of small dishes such as hummus, baba ghanoush, mutabbal and tabbouleh — great for sharing and sampling local flavors.

Sweets and pastries using dates and nuts are common in oasis communities and make for a good local treat.

Dress conservatively: cover shoulders and knees, and women should consider a headscarf in more traditional settings to show respect.

Always ask permission before photographing individuals, especially women; many locals are conservative about being photographed.

Be respectful at religious observances and when visiting historic or sacred places; avoid loud behavior and follow any site rules.

Polite greetings and accepting small offers of tea or conversation are valued; use formal greetings like ‘As-salamu alaykum’ and respond courteously.

Tipping is appreciated for good service — small tips for guides, drivers and hospitality staff are customary (a few dollars or local-equivalent amounts). In small towns, rounding up or leaving modest cash is fine.

Cash is king in Tadmur — local currency (Syrian pound) is used; ATMs and card acceptance are very limited or non-existent, so bring sufficient cash and plan for currency exchange in larger cities.

Very hot and dry; daytime temperatures commonly climb well above comfortable levels. Limit strenuous activity to early morning and late afternoon; carry plenty of water, sun protection and avoid the mid-day heat.

Warm days and cooler nights make this one of the more comfortable seasons for exploring ruins and doing desert excursions; occasional windy days can stir up dust.

Cool to cold nights with milder daytime temperatures; occasional rain and chilly winds are possible — bring layers, especially for early mornings and evenings.

Pleasant temperatures and sometimes brief bursts of greenery after winter rains; can be a good time for photography and outdoor walks but check for local access and guides.

The majority of residents are Arab Syrians, many of whom follow Sunni Islam; local community life is influenced by traditional desert and oasis livelihoods.

Historically the broader Palmyra region has had a mix of cultural influences; in modern times demographic diversity may be limited in small desert towns.

The most popular sport across Syria, played informally in towns and followed on regional matches.

Traditional desert skills and riding are culturally significant, with occasional local events or displays in desert communities.